The beautiful Karen Allen, always such an ingratiating presence in everything that she does, does a lovely job in this rather predictable, and forgettable, but engaging romantic drama. She plays "Mo" Alexander, a horticulturist from Missouri on a European vacation. She gets stranded in Paris, and is soon spending most of her time with Xavier de la Perouse (Thierry Lhermitte), a dashing French banker. Although it's initially against her better judgment (she learns fairly early on that he already has a wife and kids), she and Xavier have an affair, and come to fall in love with each other.Directed by Richard Marquand ("Eye of the Needle", "Return of the Jedi", "Jagged Edge"), this film is no great shakes in terms of its genre, but it's still quite easy to take. Marquand and company do shoot this on some pleasing French locations, turning it into something of a travelogue. The music by John Barry is not exactly subtle, but it is undeniably effective in its manipulation of the viewer. Janice Lee Grahams' script makes sure to put some roadblocks on the path to true love, and gives us some amiable supporting characters such as Philip (Christopher Cazenove), Xaviers' co-worker, Nitza Shaul as Philips' wife Sylvia, and Hutton Cobb as American musician Andrew.But make no mistake, this film depends very much on the talents of its two attractive leads. The romance is not a desired end, at least for a while, when one realizes that Xavier is kind of a slimy guy, but you still have little doubt as to how this experience will likely change him. Both Allen and Lhermitte are a delight, and prospective viewers may also be intrigued by the fact that they get naked a fair bit (but stop just shy of going full frontal)."Until September" is pleasant to watch, and thankfully doesn't spend too much time getting to its conclusion.Seven out of 10.
... View MoreAny movie that has nude scenes of Karen Allen and I'm still so bored I walk out, that is a stinker! Karen gets stuck in Paris, and befriends a sissily-handsome French man with whom she is having sex soon. Of course he's married, ("But, cheri, why should that be a problem?") What could be an interesting clash of cultures is (believe it or not) just dull. I walked out. Maybe the movie got a lot better after I left; but it would have had to have gotten a LOT better to make up for a rotten beginning.My advice, if you find yourself in this, run, do not walk, for the exit. Save your time and your energy. Most assuredly save your money. It's a shame the production company didn't save its money.
... View MoreI saw Until September back in the 80's and still enjoy watching the movie... even today! Until September makes one still dream that anything is possible when it comes to the matters of the heart! The movie also showed just what promise Thierry Lhermitte truly had in store for his audiences and while I have never watched Karen Allen except in this movie and one other - I thought she was excellent in Until September. I also agree that this movie by "United Artists" should be released on DVD - it's simply unjust not to! I have written to make inquiries to that effect but alas, have received no response to my emails. And while this movie remains as "OOP" you can find it regularly on Ebay but be prepared to pay handsomely for the movie. Recently the going bids range from between $50 - $100.00 even for prior rentals!
... View MoreA Harlequin Romance type of movie about an American horticulturist marooned in Paris who encounters a married man when the group she is traveling with departs for other countries with her visa. Endlessly contrived situations that break up/make up the relationship between them - however, the charm and acting skill of both leads, Karen Allen and Thierry Lhermitte, together with countless nude scenes, succeeds in overcoming the deficiencies in the script. What the movie is missing most of all is a forceful subplot, which would have added a greater degree of complication and reasons for breaking up and making up. Both leads act well. Hard to understand why Karen Allen never became a bigger star. And interesting to see Thierry Lhermitte, sleek and groomed, in a romantic role instead of the comedic roles he usually plays. And of course there is Paris - which never looked lovelier, more sophisticated and charming. (What time does the next plane leave?) Not a great movie but enjoyable to watch on a rainy afternoon.
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